Dolphins need RB Jay Ajayi to watch ball closer on pass plays

Jay Ajayi has a long way to go in his goal of becoming a pass-catching running back. (AP)

DAVIE—The offseason goal of becoming a reliable receiving threat hasn’t panned out for Jay Ajayi yet, and the Dolphins are still trying to sharpen some fundamentals with him.

The biggest issue is getting Ajayi to secure the pass before he tries to get upfield. That cost him at least one catch in the Atlanta game last week and it’s been a point of emphasis with coach Adam Gase this week

“No matter who it is, I haven’t seen many guys that consistently catch it where they start turning their head and don’t look it in,” Gase said. “I think you just learn from those mistakes and understand that we’ve got a long way to go, and we’re going to keep putting him in situations to where it’s another touch for him and for us it’s almost like a perimeter run. If we can get him the ball in open space, that’s a plus for us.”

Ajayi was especially upbeat about his prospects as a pass catcher when the Dolphins signed quarterback Jay Cutler because of his history using Matt Forte as a frequent target. In Cutler’s seven healthy seasons with Chicago, Forte led the team in catches three times and was top-three the other years. He set the single-season record for receptions by a runninig back with 102 in 2014.

Ajayi is eighth in the league at 78.2 rushing yards per game and is picking up 3.8 per attempt. That’s behind last year’s average of 4.9 per carry, but he’s on pace for an overall yardage total comparable to last season at 1,251.

Receiving-wise, he’s been quiet. Cutler has targeted him 12 times, and he has seven catches for 23 yards. He had three targets last week and did not record a reception.

In addition to the one he didn’t watch all the way, there was another pass against Atlanta in which Ajayi didn’t turn around quickly enough and Cutler was forced to fire the ball out early because of pressure coming into the pocket.

Nonetheless, Ajayi rejected the notion that his offseason work hasn’t translated to being effective in the passing game.

“I just think this last game, just eyes, just making sure I get my head around on that one route and then just keeping my eyes to the ball,” he said. “Just to keep it going this season, staying consistent.”

Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said one thing that makes it difficult for Ajayi to work on receiving is his limited practice schedule. The Dolphins have been holding him out about once a week to minimize wear and tear and manage his ongoing knee soreness.

Gase didn’t clarify whether he believes that to be part of the issue, but he said the priority is “keeping him healthy on Sundays.” Obviously, though, there’s going to be tradeoff when the team cuts back practice time.

“When he does practice, he’s constantly catching balls,” Gase said. “He’s trying to work on route detail. (Running backs coach Danny Barrett) does a good job of making sure he hits as many things as possible in the days that he’s practicing. I think that what we’re doing with him is the right thing for what he needs to make sure that we can get him fighting through the whole season.”